School Library Journal

Gr 6-9-The introduction to School Violence looks at the prevalence of the problem; causes such as bullying and gangs; the influence of the media, including online sources, on behavior; and the roles of alcohol and drugs, etc. The “…at a glance” spread and “Overview” prepare readers for the more detailed information to come and provide facts about safety issues. Each of four chapters then addresses both sides of a question, followed by four pages of quotes and a section of colorful graphs, charts, and illustrations. The second book opens with descrip-tions of the growing popularity of video games and the regulation and legislation of content and sales; ratings; connections with violent crime; and health effects, including addiction. An overview provides further background and context to these issues, and as in School Vio-lence, chapters follow addressing related questions and providing other related material. These chapters look more closely at the influence of the pastime on users’ health and also cover the games’ negative stereotypes, etc. The accessible and objective presentations and lists of key people and advocacy groups make these useful resources for research.-Susan Shaver, Hemingford Public Schools, NE